Jeremiah 32:

• This chapter is terrifying and beautiful. God calls Jeremiah to purchase a field on land that is about to be forcefully taken by the Babylonians. On the surface, in man’s eyes, this seems like a waste of resources and energy. (vs. 25) What a short-cited view of God! He who created all things and holds all power is not needing to conserve resources and energy for His purposes. Jeremiah recognizes this, saying, “Nothing is too hard for you [God].” (vs. 17)
• Certainly God works in mysterious ways. Faith is a battle that is fought in the fields of conflict and confusion, not in banquet halls. God does give wonderful promises (see vss. 37-41), but they are realized, ONLY in part, after 70 years. (Many who were hearers of these promises would have passed away without witnessing them.) And the fullness of these promises are still yet to come.
• • (vs. 42) I will choose to trust God in the battle of faith in the fields of conflict and confusion with the armor of God.

Acts 21:

• About 15 years ago my good friend made this observation which has deeply effected how I discern God’s mysterious workings. For the same Spirit who bound Paul to go to Jerusalem (20:6), also is moving in the hearts of the disciples to discourage Paul from going to Jerusalem (21:4).
• • We cannot put it past God to create this kind of conflict in order to force us to visit the essence of our call. This is hard to do unless we are, like Paul (vss. 13-14), ready to take up our crosses and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-26).